Annals of plastic surgery
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Annals of plastic surgery · Jul 2015
Comparative StudyComparison of Laser Doppler and Laser-Assisted Indocyanine Green Angiography Prediction of Flap Survival in a Novel Modification of the McFarlane Flap.
The McFarlane rat ischemic dorsal skin flap model has been commonly used for clinical vector studies, as well as the testing of noninvasive diagnostics. However, variability of this model secondary to flap contact with the wound bed has led many to question its validity. Here we present a novel modification to the McFarlane skin flap using sterile silicone. We also use this model to test the prognostic efficacy of laser-assisted indocyanine green (ICG) angiography and laser Doppler imaging (LDI). ⋯ We present a modification of the McFarlane skin flap model that results in similar clinical results, but with a noted reduction in perfusion inconsistencies noted in unblocked models. The ICG angiography is superior to LDI in predicting POD7 flap necrosis within the first 48 hours postinjury. Future work will focus on histologic validation of our model, and vector efficacy testing.
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Annals of plastic surgery · Jul 2015
Parasacral Perforator Flaps for Reconstruction of Sacral Pressure Sores.
Despite advances in reconstruction techniques, pressure sores continue to present a challenge to the plastic surgeon. The parasacral perforator flap is a reliable flap that preserves the entire contralateral side as a future donor site. On the ipsilateral side, the gluteal muscle itself is preserved and all flaps based on the inferior gluteal artery are still possible. We present our experience of using parasacral perforator flaps in reconstructing sacral defects. ⋯ Perforator-based flaps have become popular in modern reconstructive surgery because of low donor-site morbidity and good preservation of muscle. Parasacral perforator flaps are durable and reliable in reconstructing sacral defects. We recommend the parasacral perforator flap as a good choice for reconstructing sacral defects.
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Annals of plastic surgery · Jul 2015
Case ReportsWhat Is the Ideal Free Flap for Soft Tissue Reconstruction? A Ten-Year Experience of Microsurgical Reconstruction Using 334 Latissimus Dorsi Flaps From a Universal Donor Site.
Microsurgical free tissue transfer is regarded as the best available method of tissue reconstruction for intractable defects. The ideal soft tissue flap is thought to be the anterolateral thigh flap. On the basis of 334 procedures involving the latissimus dorsi (LD) flap, we discuss the advantages of the LD flap over the current universal option, and we aimed to establish whether the LD could also gain universal status in all reconstructive fields. ⋯ In 11 of the 182 cases, no suitable perforators were identified during surgery. The advantages of the LD as a donor site include the possibility of various harvesting positions without position change, versatility of components, availability of muscle to fill extensive defects, and presence of thick fascia to enable full abdominal reconstruction. On the basis of our experience, we concluded that this flap has the potential to be used as widely as, or in preference to, the anterolateral thigh flap in most reconstructive areas.